SFC 2016: Preview Round 9

The Subiaco Lions will be looking to bounce back against Claremont at the Showgrounds this weekend.

Subi had won their first six games of the season before a sprightly East Fremantle taught the reigning premiers a few lessons.

An 80-point drumming by the Sharks at Medibank Stadium has left the Lions wounded, but hungry to rectify their mistakes.

Claremont has had a mixed bag of results in 2016 but continue to be highly competitive. The Tigers have lost their last three by narrow margins including an eight-point loss to league leaders South Fremantle last Saturday.

Subi head coach Jarrad Schofield will undoubtedly give the starting lineup a shake this week after a lack of energy and competitiveness last week. Expect to see changes in the Subiaco line-up, which will be released Friday morning in the E-news.

Brad Stevenson has returned from an ACL injury and could be a selection option.

LIONS ON A LEASH
Subiaco lacked their customary composure last week and the Sharks torched them with their entries. Subiaco conceded their highest score since Swan Districts, Round 7, 2014 with 18.12 120. The Lions young backline will need more help from the midfield this week with Claremont’s tall targets Beau Maister and Darcy Cameron enjoying strong seasons. Subi will also keep a fixed eye on Tigers sharpshooter Jack Bradshaw who kicked five against the Bulldogs last week.

ONWARDS & UPWARDS

Despite a hot start to the season Subiaco forwards Hamish Shepheard & Ben Sokol were held goal-less against East Fremantle. Shepheard-Sokol have contributed 30 goals to the Lions cause so far this season and will be hoping to add a bigger contribution than what they showed against the Sharks. One of the rare highlights from last week’s loss came from young, small forward Liam Ryan who kicked two goals on debut.

REAL MEN WEAR PINK
The Claremont Football Club are dedicating their Round 9 home game to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign. The CFC are offering a complimentary family ticket to access their 2016 Family Fun Day which includes a bouncy castle mega slide, skills coaching and more.